> Randall, I thought you were a proponent of the old finger clutches, but I
> am now to understand you have been using a diaphragm all these years?
Sorry if I was unclear, Chris. I did use the original TR2-4 'finger' clutch for
many years, over 30 total on several different TR3As, and found them remarkably
trouble-free for all that time. I still believe they are more durable and less
troublesome than the later diaphragm type. Only once did I take a car apart for
just clutch work, and I believe that was because I accidentally put the wrong
(used) TOB in when I changed engines.
However, they are also heavier and have a bigger moment of inertia. A few years
ago, in the search for more performance, I converted my TR3A to an aluminum
flywheel. It seemed silly to pay all that money for an aluminum flywheel and
bolt that big old TRactor clutch to it, so I opted to convert to the later TR4A
clutch, solely to reduce inertia. I was quite happy with the result, but
unfortunately the car got wrecked before I could form an opinion as to the
clutch's longevity. Without the iron flywheel, it took more finesse to launch
the car, and I switched to a taller 1st gear as well, so I expect clutch life
would have been reduced anyway.
And yes, I've owned the Stag for several years, and it has an original style
diaphragm clutch. Had some "clutch problems" with it, but they turned out to be
other things, like missing parts, worn pivots and broken castings. Seems to
work well now (although I still would like the pedal farther off the floor, need
to do a better repair on the pivots); but again I haven't managed to drive the
car enough to form an opinion as to how long it lasts.
Randall
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